The Good Shepherd and his Students

Today was the first of the lambing open days at Rease Heath College. As well as allowing the public to see this wonderful event, it is also very much a hands-on teaching experience for the students, guided by a real-life shepherd and their tutors.

This 'lady' was easily delivered of her single lamb by the student on the left, but then very cleverly and patiently pursuaded (fooled) into accepting one of another ewe's triplets as her own. After a short while she was then led to believe that she had given birth a second time (again by an ably directed student fist) and presented with her own lamb. She took to them both with no trouble.

Later, another ewe expecting to have triplets, was in trouble. The students had to stand back and the packed crowd fell into an uneasy silence. We watched in awe and admiration as the expert shepherd birthed two lambs, calmly giving each the kiss of life and gently massaging them to health. The third had failed to develop properly and was already being re-absorbed, we were told. Fortunately the children were spared a sad sight, though we had been prepared.

Very moving.